Multi-method Approach Research Articles

The threat of electronic performance monitoring: Exploring the role of leader-member exchange on employee privacy invasion

Advances in digitalization have led employers to increasingly adopt electronic performance monitoring technologies that allow supervisors to observe, analyze and evaluate not only employees' work activities, but also their cognitive and behavioral data. This has significant implications for employees' perceptions of privacy, and, in turn, for their basic needs, intrinsic motivation, and turnover intentions. However, the extent of perceiving privacy invasion may also depend on the relationship with those individuals for whom information is shared. This relationship should play a pivotal role in defining and negotiating boundaries and establishing comfort levels in information sharing. Building on communication privacy management theory and self-determination theory, we examined in three studies (two experiments and one field study) how the relationship with the supervisor (LMX) shapes the associations between (a) supervisor's use of EPM, its perceived invasiveness, and privacy invasion (Study 1, 2, 3), and (b) privacy invasion and needs, intrinsic motivation, and turnover intentions (Study 3). Specifically, we theorized that a high LMX that builds on trust should mitigate privacy invasion from invasive electronic performance monitoring. In addition, we hypothesized that high LMX can help employees cope with privacy invasion and consequently reduce need thwarting, decreased intrinsic motivation, and turnover intention. While we found some support for the role of LMX in the emergence of privacy invasion from invasive EPM, our data did not reveal that a high LMX reduces need thwarting and related outcomes due to perceived privacy invasion. This research provides timely insights with a multimethod approach into if and how the social context shapes unintended consequences from using electronic monitoring.

Estimating occupation-related crashes in light and medium size vehicles in Kentucky: A text mining and data linkage approach

Occupational motor vehicle (OMV) crashes are a leading cause of occupation-related injury and fatality in the United States. Statewide crash databases provide a good source for identifying crashes involving large commercial vehicles but are less optimal for identifying OMV crashes involving light or medium vehicles. This has led to an underestimation of OMV crash counts across states and an incomplete picture of the magnitude of the problem. The goal of this study was to develop and pilot a systematic process for identifying OMV crashes in light and medium vehicles using both state crash and health-related surveillance databases. A two-fold process was developed that included: 1) a machine learning approach for mining crash narratives and 2) a deterministic data linkage effort with crash state data and workers compensation (WC) claims records and emergency medical service (EMS) data, independently. Overall, the combined process identified 5,302 OMV crashes in light and medium vehicles within one year’s worth of crash data. Findings suggest the inclusion of multi-method approaches and multiple data sources can be implemented and used to improve OMV crash surveillance in the United States.

Enhancing South Africans universities engagement during student recruitment through social media marketing

ABSTRACT Social media platforms are popular amongst young people and offer excellent platforms to communicate with this target market. Communication between higher education institutions and potential new students is the focus of this research. This paper explores students’ perceptions of the use of social media marketing in student recruitment done by South African higher education institutions. The aim is to suggest guidelines for the formulation of social media marketing strategies to improve influence on students in the selection of an institution. A qualitative research methodology is employed, using a multimethod approach to data collection, including a conceptual analysis and focus groups. Grade 11 and 12 students, selected from school’s representative of the five different school quintiles, are included in the research sample. Ten guidelines evolved from the data with the most prominent being engagement, relationship building and an increase in the use of creative visual content to disseminate practical application information.

A genetically informed study of digital screen time, video game play, and impulsivity in established adulthood

High levels of digital screen time are associated with heightened impulsivity, though the assumption that this relationship is causal has seldom been rigorously examined. Moreover, the nature of this association may vary across life stages. Adults in established adulthood (ages 30–45) often face increased career and family commitments, which may impact leisure activities and the relationship between screen time and impulsivity. This study examined the association between digital screen time, video game play, and facets of impulsivity (i.e., perseverance, premeditation, and urgency) in adults in established adulthood using a multi-method approach, including a genetically-informed co-twin design. By comparing within-twin pair differences in screen time and impulsivity, the co-twin approach controls for genetic and environmental confounding, providing a quasi-experimental design. The sample included 1289 participants (Mage = 33.46, %Female = 52.75%, Ntwins = 704) from the Colorado Adoption/Twin Study of Lifespan behavioral development and cognitive aging (CATSLife). After controlling for adolescent impulsivity, phenotypic analysis found that digital screen time was positively associated with higher levels of urgency and lack of perseverance. Co-twin control analysis showed that the association between digital screen time and urgency persisted within twin pairs, suggesting that shared familial and genetic factors may not fully explain the relationship. Video game play did not show consistent associations with impulsivity. These findings suggest that the immediacy and rapid succession of stimuli in digital screen engagement could be associated with impulsive tendencies in established adulthood, independent of video game play. The study underscores the need for nuanced examination to understand the interplay between digital engagement and impulsivity in this unique life stage.

Identifying stakeholder preferences for rebuilding a Canadian Atlantic redfish fishery—limitations and benefits of different opinion survey approaches

Fisheries management authorities seek to improve the incorporation of stakeholders’ preferences into decision-making but conventional approaches to assessing stakeholder viewpoints may risk under-representing a diversity of opinions. In Atlantic Canada’s units 1 and 2 redfish fisheries, there are competing visions about re-developing the fishery following historical overfishing. A management strategy evaluation (MSE) sought to identify which fishery objectives should guide the formulation of performance metrics. Following the MSE, we carried out a study to further sample the social, economic, and ecological objectives for the fishery using multiple questioning methods: i.e., workshops, questionnaires, and interviews. Results of interviews and questionnaires identified areas of consensus and complexity of opinion among the different groups (commercial, government and Indigenous), and showed that the workshop-based performance metrics defined in the MSE underrepresented the diversity of stakeholder preferences, particularly regarding social and economic goals. Multi-method and multi-disciplinary approaches to formalizing objectives are resource-intensive. However, there is value in applying multiple methods to systematically develop and formalize performance metrics that accurately reflect a diversity of stakeholders’ priorities for the fishery.

Food insecurity amongst asylum seekers and people without status in Israel

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic caused massive disruptions globally, with food insecurity a primary concern amongst vulnerable communities. As one of the most marginalized and vulnerable groups in Israeli society asylum seekers and undocumented populations were amongst the first to be affected by the pandemic and the economic crisis that followed. The objective of the study was to evaluate the severity and causes of food insecurity among asylum seekers and other undocumented communities because of COVID-19.MethodsA multi method approach was used. The quantitative component included an online questionnaire regarding access to food, aid and choices, and the 6 item Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) The qualitative component included 4 focus groups and thematic analysis. The study was conducted in November 2020, by the Ministry of Health's Nutrition Division and the Tel Aviv Municipality's foreign community assistance and information center (Mesila). The convenience sample was drawn from the low-income neighborhood population of South Tel Aviv. Logistic regression, multivariate analysis and content analysis, were performed.ResultsFour hundred eighty-five people completed the quantitative survey, with average age 33.2 ± 5.4 years and 349 (72.0%) experienced food insecurity. In the multivariate analysis, being older (p = 0.04, Odds Ratio OR 1.1, Confidence Interval CI 1.05–1.15) and being single (unmarried) (p = 0.03, OR 2.1, CI 1.2, 3.5) predicted food insecurity. Qualitative findings identified three main themes: children preferring Israeli/ Western foods to traditional foods; financial stresses were compounded; a preference for receiving assistance with purchasing food (vouchers), rather than food handouts.ConclusionIn conclusion, vulnerable populations (asylum seekers and other undocumented communities) were severely affected and are in danger of food insecurity. Culturally relevant and contextualized solutions are needed to address the acute hunger within the community. These include establishment of a cross-ministerial forum, a social grocery store, increased liaison with food rescue bodies, complete nutritional support for children in educational settings and increased guidance regarding food choices and budgeting.

From quarry by-products to a zeolites-based Zn fertilizer with increased resistance to rain leaching

In the face of an extensive literature on the use of zeolites for the removal of metals from water for environmental purposes, it is seldom considered that some metals are also essential nutrients for life and that zeolites could be profitably used to dose their release. Among these, Zn is a key micronutrient, and when its demand by crop is not fully balanced by adequate accessibility, fertilization must be provided using Zn salts that can be, however, easily leached and partly wasted in the environment.In an attempt to solve this critical problem, a new controlled-release formulation of Zn using zeolite-containing geomaterials was designed, prepared, characterized, and tested by applying a sequential, multi-method approach. Different formulations were trialed, and the most effective included 30 wt% pumice by-product and 70 wt% clinoptilolite-rich zeolitized tuff, with about 20 mg/g of exchangeable Zn2+. The enrichment process reached equilibrium after about 8 h, a timing well-tuned with technology transfer. Desorption kinetic tests in a weekly acid environment revealed gradual Zn release, with about 4.28 wt% released after 6 h. When tested as a foliar fertilizer on Vitis vinifera, this formulation demonstrated superior resistance to leaching under simulated rainfall conditions compared to conventional ZnSO4·6H2O fertilizer, maintaining the initial level of Zn (130 mg/kg of dry leaves), while about 22 % of the Zn applied with ZnSO4·6H2O was loss. This outcome was plausibly due to mineral particle adhesion to leaf. Preliminary cost estimates suggest that the product designed here can be placed in the market with competitive sales prices.

Stress and child internalizing symptoms: Examining the moderating role of Latino fathers' warmth and support.

Latino immigrants within the United States experience various stressors, which have been linked to the development and exacerbation of internalizing symptoms among Latino youth. Therefore, it is crucial to explore factors that may buffer the impact of stress among immigrant families. Fathers may influence child outcomes through positive parenting behaviors, yet Latino fathers have been underrepresented in research. This study examined how paternal warmth and support may moderate the association between the accumulation of stress and child internalizing symptoms among low-income, Latino immigrant families. Participants included 62 children between the ages of 6 and 10, and their paternal caregivers (94% fathers; 90% born in Mexico). This study utilized a multi-method approach including parent-report, child-report and observational measures. Participants completed questionnaires and video-recorded family interaction tasks during home visits. Stress was positively associated with child-reported depression. Self-reported paternal warmth was associated with fewer parent-reported child internalizing symptoms and moderated the effects of stress on symptoms. Analyses showed a significant positive association between paternal stress and child internalizing symptoms for children with the lowest levels of parental warmth. However, when paternal warmth was high, accumulation of stress and child internalizing symptoms were not related. Thus, high levels of warmth buffered the impact of stress on internalizing symptoms. This study highlights the importance of Latino fathers' parenting behaviors on child internalizing symptoms.

Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and topographic controls on baseflow contribution in high-altitude aquifers with complex geology

Mountains in general are important sources of water resources and correspondingly, the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) in the Himalayas provides water for hundreds of millions of users. During low-flow periods, streamflow is fed by a combination of groundwater (baseflow), snow/glacier melt and recent precipitation. However, the proportion of stream baseflow generated by different sources and the factors that control these contributions remain poorly understood. In this paper, we focus on the Western Himalayan Liddar watershed (1243 km2) in the UIB and use a multi-method approach to characterize aquifers and baseflow generation in three nested catchments which represent varying geology and topography. Our multi-method approach includes geophysical surveys, slug tests, stable isotope compositions, young water fraction (Fyw) estimation and a Bayesian end member mixing model. Specifically, we hypothesize that Ksat of the subsurface plays a critical role in the contribution of groundwater to baseflow. The watershed is subdivided into three nested catchments (Limestone, hardrock and alluvium). Our results indicate that the upstream, steep, high-permeability limestone catchment has the relatively largest groundwater contribution to streamflow (63–78 %) and a low Fyw (38 %) than the other two sites. The mid-elevation hard rock catchment has a lower permeability on average but is highly variable due to fracture networks and geologic contacts, allowing a substantial groundwater contribution to streamflow (38–66 %) and a similar Fyw (36 %) to the limestone catchment. The downstream, low-slope catchment underlain by alluvium has a highly variable hydraulic conductivity and a substantially lower groundwater contribution to streamflow (26–45 %) and a higher Fyw (55 %). We find that both hydraulic conductivity and topography exert control on the magnitude of baseflow contribution to the stream. However, Ksat acts as a key control in groundwater contribution to baseflow as observed in headwaters and downstream region of the watershed. While unconsolidated deposits are often thought of as important high-porosity mountain aquifers, our results point to the importance of fractured and karstified bedrock in baseflow generation in high mountains. As climate change alters the snow- and ice-melt regimes of UIB rivers, our study underscores the critical importance of improving our understanding of baseflow sources.

Revitalizing Rural Landscapes: Applying Cultural Landscape Gene Theory for Sustainable Spatial Planning in Linpu Village

In the context of rapid urbanization, it is imperative to address the preservation and sustainable development of rural landscapes. This study introduces a novel framework using cultural landscape gene theory to enhance the landscape spatial pattern of Linpu Village, China. Employing a multi-method approach, including data collection and historical data analysis, GIS analysis, and field surveys, we analyze the village’s landscape features and identify a well-preserved “one core, two wings” spatial configuration with diminishing accessibility from the center to the periphery. The study uncovers significant challenges to landscape coherence and legibility, including landscape element discontinuity, inadequate maintenance, and fragmented information. To address these issues, we propose optimization strategies aimed at revitalizing weakened cultural landscape genes, repairing disrupted elements, ensuring corridor integrity, and improving spatial organization. The extraction–construction–analysis–preservation model established in this research not only delivers a comprehensive analysis of Linpu’s cultural landscape but also offers a scalable framework for preserving the ecological and cultural integrity of traditional villages. This study contributes to the practical implementation of sustainable landscape strategies, enhancing the ecological adaptability and resilience of rural environments in the face of urban encroachment.

Coping with emotional pain: An experimental comparison of acceptance vs. avoidance coping

The present study compared multi-methodically and multi-dimensionally the effects of acceptance and avoidance coping with emotional pain, both between and within-group. Convenience sampling was used, with 88 participants included (81.8% females; Mage = 21.75 years) and being randomly assigned to one of two instructed groups: (a) Acceptance followed by avoidance of pain sensations and thoughts, and (b) Avoidance followed by acceptance. All participants underwent an emotional pain induction procedure three times involving negative autobiographical recall and an emotional-pain standardized script. In the first emotion induction, no instructions were given whereas in the other two, participants were instructed to use the techniques they were trained in. On both autobiographical and emotional-pain script tasks, participants who used firstly avoidance and secondly acceptance exhibited significantly lower mean heart rate and higher mean heart rate variability RR index across time. Also, in the last emotional pain induction, on both tasks, acceptance resulted in lower physiological activation than avoidance. No significant differences were found for the self-report of negative affect. Overall, acceptance vs. avoidance differences were mostly found in the physiological outcomes, suggesting the importance of including objective measures when examining coping techniques. Our findings suggest that ACT's concept of creative hopelessness is supported, as participants may have to use firstly use ineffective coping strategies to better understand what methods are most effective for managing pain. To our knowledge, this study is the first study to compare acceptance vs. avoidance coping with emotional pain both between and within-group, using a multi-method and multi-dimensional approach.

Project risk management in practice: the actuality of project risk management in organizations

PurposeThis paper explores how risks are managed in project practice beyond formalized risk management processes by applying the lens of actuality research to project risk management.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows a qualitative multimethod research approach utilizing literature review, interviews, observations and document analysis. The paper is based on three case studies and one interview study in project organizations facing green transition challenges.FindingsLittle work exists to reveal how risk management is actually done by project practitioners, and why. Few studies report on contextual variation and consider confounding factors beyond a “one size fits all” formalized explicit risk management process, despite ample evidence that risks are managed outside the formal process. The study documents that informal and/or implicit risk management activities add significantly more value.Originality/valueThe paper contributes a literature review of research into the actuality of project risk management, a sense-making framework of how risks are managed in practice beyond the formal, explicit risk-management process by including informal and/or implicit risk management activities, an empirical study of risk-management practice highlighting that informal and/or implicit risk-management activities dominate in practice, a discussion of why risks are managed outside formalized, explicit process and a research agenda to enable the design of impactful project risk-management practices.

Developing a multi-method approach to identifying e-scooter hazard hotspots

In recent years, e-scooters have been introduced in many European cities. In several places we have witnessed a rapid uptake of this new mode of transport mainly as a result of public sharing schemes. A number of incidents, injuries and even fatalities have given rise to questions regarding the safety of these vehicles. These questions are being researched mainly using official crash data and data specifying injuries and hospital treatment. Until now, the research has focused on investigating typical injury patterns and estimating risk levels. Very little is known about exactly where conflicts and crashes occur. Knowledge of hazard hotspots is crucial when investigating risk levels and improving safety for all road users.Hence, this paper develops an approach to investigating locations with potentially dangerous interactions within the active mobility system in the city of Berlin. The approach consists of explorative expert interviews, an online poll, and quantitative analyses. For the latter we combine three datasets. First, we research crash hotspots using official data. Second, we use data based on acceleration sensors from cyclists' smartphones to find locations of sudden movements. Third, we use trip data from the operators of e-scooter sharing systems. The information gathered is used in a conclusive expert workshop to identify hazard hotspots.Results show that many of the conflicts with pedestrians are caused by parked e-scooters. Second, e-scooter trips are concentrated in the inner city and along specific routes. In moving traffic, various data sources are used to identify hotspots at intersections and in areas between intersections.The present research lays the foundation for important further studies to investigate interactions at hotspots in detail by determining nine specific locations in the city of Berlin.

Graphic Paper: Empowering refugee families in transit: the development of a culturally competent and compassionate training and support package.

Refugee parents who fled conflicts suffered violence and traumas and face huge challenges in supporting the health and welfare of their children while in transit. To describe the development of a culturally competent and compassionate training and support package (TSP) for nurses, social and healthcare workers and volunteers, with a focus on parenting needs among unsettled refugees fleeing conflict. The multi-method approach included: a scoping review covering parenting needs of refugees fleeing conflict zones; collection of stories from refugee parents, healthcare workers and volunteers via a mobile application; discussions between team members; a piloted and evaluated curriculum. High levels of family distress and deterioration of parental identity were identified. Informed by these results, the curriculum is articulated along 20 bite-sized learning units, covering four age stages of childhood as well as targeting adults' well-being. Pilot training was evaluated positively, confirming feasibility and usefulness of the TSP. Unsettled refugee parents fleeing conflicts face psycho-social and practical difficulties negatively affecting their parenting skills. The care workforce should be trained in order to provide culturally competent and compassionate support to help these families. Open access digital platforms are promising as autodidactic and self-help tools among hard-to-reach populations.

Taking Advantage of Their Seniority: How the Misbehavior of Senior Tourists Influence Young Adults’ Prosocial Behavior Towards Them

Although the senior tourism sector is widely recognized as a growing market, misbehaviors by elderly tourists is an under researched issue within the field of tourism. This paper offers insights into inappropriate behaviors by senior tourists and explores the responses of young adults toward such instances of misbehavior. Through a multimethod approach, we reveal that the intentional (vs. unintentional) misbehavior by senior tourists results in reduced prosocial behavior in young adults. The social class signifiers of senior tourists who intentionally misbehave significantly influence the responses of young adults, with those perceived to be of a high social class drawing harsher judgements. This effect holds for young adults with high benevolent ageism but is constrained by low benevolent ageism in young adults. Our findings extend the application of expectancy violation theory and moral foundations theory to tourist misbehaviors and we conclude by offering suggestions for improving intergenerational relationships at tourist destinations.

Bridging realities into organizations through innovation and productivity: Exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, internet of things, and big data analytics in the metaverse environment using a multi-method approach

This study investigates how organizations may increase innovation and productivity through the Metaverse environment efficacy (MVEE), Artificial intelligence usage (AIU), Internet of Things usage (IoTU), and Big Data Analytics usage (BDAU). The study gathers responses from the gaming, information technology, and entertainment industries, using a multi-method involving Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis, and Artificial Neural Networks to investigate how these technologies might be used to improve the linking of disparate realities in a business context. The use of AI in personalized and decision-support applications, IoT for real-time data collecting, and BDAU for an insights-driven strategy all combine to create a dynamic MVEE ecosystem. The research also delves into theoretical implications concerning the viability of using the MVEE to boost innovation and productivity. This research identifies the applications of using AI, IoT, and BDA to drive organizational performance in terms of innovation and productivity. Also, the research lays out the role of AI, IoT, and BDA in creating a dynamic metaverse ecosystem.

The role of negative affect in shaping populist support: Converging field evidence from across the globe.

Support for populism has grown substantially during the past 2 decades, a development that has coincided with a marked increase in the experience of negative affect around the world. We use a multimodal, multimethod empirical approach, with data from a diverse set of geographical and political contexts, to investigate the extent to which the rising electoral demand for populism can be explained by negative affect. We demonstrate that negative affect-measured via (a) self-reported emotions in surveys as well as (b) automated text analyses of Twitter data-predicts individual-level populist attitudes in two global surveys (Studies 1a and 1b), longitudinal changes in populist party vote shares at general elections in Europe (Study 2), district-level Brexit voting in the 2016 U.K. referendum (Study 3), and county-level vote shares for Donald Trump in the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections (Studies 4a and 4b). We find that negative emotions-such as fear and anger as well as more often overlooked low-arousal negative emotions like depression and sadness-are predictive of populist beliefs as well as voting and election results at scale. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Investigation on driving mechanism of heritage tourism consumption: a multi-method analytical approach

ABSTRACT In the heritage tourism consumption, it is essential to investigate how heritage tourist motivation and perceived authenticity affect their approach behavioural intentions through destination image and satisfaction. This study combined quantitative and qualitative approaches, involving covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM), fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), and the event-based narrative inquiry technique (EBNIT) to evaluate the antecedents for driving mechanism of heritage tourism consumption. Meanwhile, the moderating role of tourist inconveniences was identified in the formation process of approach behaviours. A sample of 646 Chinese travelers who visited the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum was used for data analysis.

The modern and the Monster: heritage activism in the post-socialist city between performance and performativity

ABSTRACT This paper explores the role of urban grassroot movements in the social configuration of contentious heritage and multiple temporalities and political articulations of heritage defense activism. Using the case study method, the paper traces the genealogy of one urban movement in defense of socialist modernist heritage in contemporary Montenegro, shedding light on the process of slow political recognition as opposed to the wide and rampant repertoire of urban contention and socio-cultural appropriation. Focusing on the events following the announcement of the construction of the 12-floor skyscraper (colloquially dubbed “the Monster”) in the immediate proximity of the iconic modernist Hotel Podgorica, the paper theorizes the capacity of urban activism in the contemporary post-socialist city to activate heritage dynamics and leverage urban knowledge as a tool of cultural control. Relying on a multi-method approach including participatory observations, interviews, urban and critical discourse analysis, and the archival research, this paper provides a multi-perspectival analysis of the complex interactions between contentious heritage, grassroot movements and political performativity in the post-socialist city. The results shed light on the evolving role of citizenship in urban development, signaling a paradigm shift towards engaged architecture and emancipatory urban activism as mechanisms for mitigating institutional inefficiencies and political performativity.

Determinants of consumer intention to use smart food lockers during COVID-19: A multi-method approach

During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased demand for contactless services has triggered the restaurant industry to adopt smart food lockers. Based on service quality theory, we investigated factors associated with consumer intention to use smart food lockers. We collected 222 valid questionnaires for the study and analyzed the data using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method. Results of the PLS-SEM analysis show that food safety, convenience, perceived security, perceived control, and perceived time pressure significantly impact consumer intention to use smart food lockers. An MGA analysis shows that perceived protection during COVID-19 enhances the positive relationship between food safety and intention to use smart food lockers. For a more comprehensive view of the study’s findings, the fsQCA provides five scenarios that lead to high user willingness to use smart food lockers. This study provides practical insights into platforms and governments.